‘Love Beyond’ story series: No tread left on the tires
The three stories below highlight people whose lives changed because of your donations to The Salvation Army Northern Division.
Thanks to your generosity, The Salvation Army is able to show thousands of people that there is Love Beyond any hopeless situation.
Love Beyond is a Salvation Army campaign to show those in need that love exists beyond their most difficult circumstances – be it hunger, overdue bills, eviction, addiction, and other hardships.
No tread left on the tires
Larry came to The Salvation Army requesting help getting a new tire for his truck. The tread was so thin that the wire cords were exposed.
The truck was vital to Larry not only because it allowed him to get to work, but because he lived inside of the vehicle. He’d grown up in generational poverty and hadn’t been able to get his life together after his father passed away two years ago.
Making matters even more difficult, Larry has an infant son who is being cared for by his brother’s family because the mother is living in a group home.
Thanks to your gifts, The Salvation Army was able to assist Larry with not one, but two new tires for his truck. In addition, our caseworker Alisa is helping him with life skills and setting goals.
“Larry was grateful for The Salvation Army’s help, and he now stops by our office twice a week to take a shower and wash his clothes,” Alisa said.
Larry is now working on achieving the following goals for his life:
- Save up to rent an apartment with one of his coworkers.
- Spend time with his son and financially provide for him.
- Make better life choices to avoid always being in “crisis mode.”
Because of your generosity, Larry is headed in the right direction.
“He is filled with hope because of the help The Salvation Army has given him,” Alisa said.
Victory over cancer, homelessness
Cancer had devastated Jane’s spirit and her finances. She was weak from the disease and on the verge of becoming homeless.
She had applied for government financial assistance but wasn’t yet approved. Until those funds came through, she was behind on paying her rent and utility bills, with no money left for food.
During this challenging time, Jane visited a Salvation Army food shelf. During her visit, she met with a Salvation Army caseworker named John who took the time to understand her unique situation.
Thanks to your donations, John was able to provide funds for Jane’s past-due bills.
“This assistance proved to be a lifeline because, just one month later, Jane’s government assistance was approved,” John said.
Soon, more good news arrived: Jane’s cancer was in remission, which spared her from the prospect of chemotherapy.
Jane was overjoyed about her medical progress, and grateful for the help she received thanks to your donations to The Salvation Army.
“Her success story is a testament to the transformative impact of our donors and the resilience of those we serve,” John said.
Finding a purpose
Jerry had reached the lowest point of his life: He was sleeping in his car, and he felt he had nothing to live for.
He came to The Salvation Army and asked for help. Thanks to your donations, our caseworker Lorri was able to give him shelter, and hope for the future.
Jerry was so grateful for having a warm bed to sleep in that he offered to ring bells at a Red Kettle and play the piano at Salvation Army church events.
“The greatest part of our interaction,” Lorri explained, “is when Jerry said, ‘I am officially part of The Salvation Army family. I finally know my purpose. I finally have something to live for.’”
Lorri’s interaction with Jerry touched her heart and underscored the importance of the support we receive from donors like you.
“It made my heart glad that Jerry felt welcomed, loved and included here,” Lorri said. “We never know what part of a person’s journey it is that God will allow us to step in, share the good news of Christ, and welcome them to our Salvation Army family.”
This holiday season, The Salvation Army is calling on all of our supporters to Love Beyond. Join us by giving a donation, signing up to volunteer, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle.
* Editor’s note: All client names used in this story are pseudonyms and all images are photo illustrations.